Zechariah - Summary

Title:	Named for the author, a priest and prophet Zechariah.  The name Zechariah actually means "The Lord Remembers."
Author:	Zechariah was both a priest and a prophet.  He was from a prominent family of priests who returned to Jerusalem following the captivity in Babylon.  He was the son of Berechiah.  He was also the grandson of Iddo.
Date:	The return from Babylon was about 538 BC.  Zechariah prophecied after the return.  Many of the frustrations of the Hebrew people described in this book began within the first 20  year period following their return.  Therefore we can presume this book was written somewhere between 538 and 518 BC.
Main Theme	Zechariah's message to the people of Israel was primarily one of encouragement.  Zechariah also had much to say regarding the coming Messiah.  He also was encouraging to the people as they were attempting to rebuild the Temple amidst much opposition.
Location:	The prophecies and visions of Zechariah were given to him in Jerusalem of Judea.
History	Following 70 years in captivity of the Israelites by the Babylonians, King Cyrus gave the directive for the people to return to Jerusalem and gave them permission to rebuild the Temple.  Under the leadership if Ezra and the encouragement of Zechariah the Temple was completed.
Major Characters:	Zechariah